A Formal Vintage Pink Wedding Outdoors in Washington, D.C.

Lauren and Christopher

Lauren and Christopher met during in the fall of 2002 during her freshman year at Williams College. Christopher was the antithesis to Lauren's all-girl prep school background. He was a laidback, California beach boy with dance moves that swept her off her feet. After surviving their college years and helping one another grow into adulthood, they tied the knot a full decade later on September 15, 2012, in Washington D.C.

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The Capital Location

With their heart set D.C., Lauren and Christopher set out to find a location that was timeless and classic. The Decatur House—just a stone's throw from the White House—boasted an outdoor patio and parlours that were seemingly out of a Jane Austen novel.

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The Literary Invitations

Elaine Chou of Papermade paired up with Lauren to transform her design vision into elegant, tangible creations. Lauren's love for "vintage chic" acted as inspiration, directing Elaine towards the aesthetic of antique book covers. At the bottom of each insert, Lauren included sentiments on love from a few of the greats: e.e. cummings, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry David Thoreau. This RSVP included a Jefferson quote: "I find as I grow older that I love those most whom I loved first." –Thomas Jefferson

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The Fashions

Lauren wore a lacy Monique Lhuillier gown and a Sara Gabriel veil. She sparkled in her something old: diamond and sapphire earrings, a family heirloom.

Christopher looked dapper in a classic tux by Alton Lane.

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An Elegant Bouquet

Roses and hydrangeas bloomed amongst a mix of greenery in the bride's bouquet.

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Blushing Bridesmaids

The bridal party wore various styles of Jenny Yoo dresses in soft pink chiffon.

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Ivory Nosegays

Bridesmaids carried petite versions of the bridal bouquet.

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Kids in the Wedding

The flower girls donned pale ruffled dresses from Dress Baby Beautiful and wreaths of baby's breath. The ring bearers were outfitted in suits from various stores and handmade bow ties from Divine Domestication.

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DIY Programs

Lauren purchased champagne colored ribbon and cardstock, and with the help of her mother and father, Lauren printed and assembled all 150 programs. Elaine Chou designed the inkwell logo heading the top of each program.

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The Ceremony

Chandeliers and bulb lights draped throughout the ceremony area were among Lauren's favorite decor pieces. "I felt that I was in an enchanted garden enclave the whole night," Lauren said. The ivy-clad brick walls and forest green shutters of the estate provided a timeless backdrop.

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A Heartwarming Entrance

Two proud ring bearers toted a calligraphed banner signaling the start of Lauren's procession. Concrete Honey, created the whimsical signage.

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A Family Affair

Lauren's best friend is her mother, so it was no surprise that she stood by her side as the matron-of-honor throughout the vows. Lauren's brother played the guitar as they walked down the aisle, and Christopher's aunt read a passage by Captain Corelli's Mandolin that captured the couple's sentiments about love. It read: "Love is not breathless, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just 'being in love' which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident."

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The 'I Do's'

Lauren and Christopher exchanged vows in front of their modern altar, which was repurposed later in the night as a bar. A sleek metal surface was bookended by white tufted cushions and served as the perfect statement piece amidst the traditional architecture and greenery.

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Say Cheese

Lauren and Christopher intentionally took photos before cocktail hour so they would have plenty of time to enjoy their brie station. "When you come over to our house, you will undoubtedly have cheese," agreed Lauren and Christopher. Cheese from Denmark (Christopher's mothers home) and New Zealand, (where Christopher's grandmother is from), were offered as an ode to the groom's heritage.

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Garden-Style Blooms

Sidra Forman created feminine, organic arrangements that lined the altar and dotted guest's tables. "I wanted a Virginia garden feel. Beautiful, but with a sense of untamed wildness," Lauren said. "Nothing needed to be perfect; in fact, I like how the bouquets were a bit unstructured. We wrapped all them in vintage lace handkerchiefs from my grandmother."

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Peaches and Cream

The color palette was a balance of creamy white hydrangeas, ivory roses, and pops of bright peach dahlias. Rich green leaves were a natural fit among the ivy-covered terrace.

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Inspired Tables

Modeled after her dream home, Lauren chose vintage architectural chairs and plates that look as if they have "been passed down from Grandma," said Lauren.

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The Beautiful Wedding Cake

Maggie Austin, collaborating with Lauren's florist, whipped up this angelically delicate cake that mirrored the looseness of the bouquets. With two different flavors inside, half was a white-velvet cake with raspberry and vanilla-lime buttercream and the rest was a double chocolate cake with hazelnut and Frangelico buttercream.

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The First Dance

Christopher showed off the same dance moves that swept Lauren off her feet ten years prior during the first dance to "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele.

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Late-Night Treats

This "vice station" boasted a box of cigars and mini ice cream sandwiches, which were also set on trays and passed around the dance floor for guests (and the newlyweds!) to enjoy. Lauren was very happy to have an ice cream sandwich in one hand and a cigar in the other while dancing to "Call Me Maybe" at the end of the evening.

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